house plans

Why Craftsman House Plans Are Ideal for Guest Houses


Cape Cod, Victorian, Craftsman – house plans are available in countless styles. How do you choose the best style for a guest home? Here at Alan Mascord Design Associates, we’ve found that Craftsman house plans are excellent for guest houses, given the unique characteristics of the Craftsman style.

Homeowners might be browsing guest house plans for several reasons: to add extra living space, to accommodate out-of-town guests, or to lodge aging or returning family members. If you are thinking about adding a guest house to your property, Craftsman house plans will probably suit your needs well, as explained below.

What is the Craftsman Style?

The Craftsman style is associated with the Arts and Crafts movement as well as the rise of the American middle class. The expansion of both of these elements occurred between the 1870s and the early part of the 20th century. The Arts and Crafts movement was noted for its adherence to simple, traditional designs and styles. Attention to detail and a penchant for durable, quality, hand-crafted features are common in the Arts and Crafts style.

In home design, Craftsman house plans are simple yet functional. They tend to eschew ornate elements, and Craftsman homes often feature plenty of square or pleasantly rounded elements. In many ways, the Arts and Crafts movement was a reaction to the often over-the-top, ornate style of the preceding Victorian period.

Many homes that were constructed in the period leading up to the early 1920s employed the Craftsman style to create an artistic yet comfortable feel. Today’s housing market is seeing a Craftsman renaissance, and many Craftsman house plans are available, either as a primary residence or as guest house plans.

Why the Craftsman Style is Well Suited to Guest Houses

There are several reasons to choose Craftsman house plans when considering guest house plans. First and foremost, the Craftsman style is classic enough to appeal to nearly any guest who crosses your threshold. Craftsman house plans feature artistic yet simple designs and an attention to detail that appeals to a wide range of people.

Furthermore, the style is associated with high-quality materials and top-notch craftsmanship. True Craftsman designers often work with handcrafted materials such as glass or hewn stone and tend to incorporate built-in elements such as reading nooks and cabinetry. If you select this style, your guests will appreciate these graceful organization features.

Indeed, with so many delightful details in your guest house plans, you might just be tempted to live there yourself!

Note: The home shown above is The Glenhaven House Plan 1142A.